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Floating Pods Enhancing Dynamic Circulation in Interactive Living Spaces

Author:
Sara Sá
Floating Pods Enhancing Dynamic Circulation in Interactive Living Spaces
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The arrangement of floating pods within the nucleus enhances dynamic circulation, creating interactive living spaces that prioritize user engagement and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating platforms allow avatars to navigate seamlessly between different areas.
02
The central nucleus serves as the home’s core, promoting interaction and connectivity.
03
Pods are arranged at varying heights, resembling a garden surrounding the nucleus.
04
Movable petals function as roofs, providing flexibility in spatial openness.
05
Interactive objects within rooms serve as shortcuts to various applications and experiences.

The NEST is a unique exploration of virtual living that focuses on enhancing connections and interactions within a modern environment. The design is based on the idea of a nucleus, where spaces grow and evolve like cells in the process of division. The intention is to create a virtual setting that caters to various functions and supports daily life in an imaginative way.

Spatial Organization

The heart of the NEST is its central nucleus, which serves as the main area of the home. This nucleus extends into multifunctional spaces designed for different activities. The living area is split into two sections that encourage socializing while also offering private moments. Outdoor spaces are divided into three parts, providing expanded opportunities for interaction with the surrounding environment.

Dynamic Circulation

An essential characteristic of the NEST is its dynamic movement system, which features platforms that float and allow avatars to navigate freely. This arrangement encourages exploration, enabling users to move easily from one room to another. The pods are positioned at varying heights, resembling a garden that surrounds the nucleus, contributing to a lively and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

Sensory Experience

The design emphasizes sensory engagement through the thoughtful use of visuals and sounds. Various colors, shapes, and ambient sounds create an immersive environment that captivates users. In this space, each room includes interactive objects that link to various applications, enhancing the overall functionality. This focus on interactivity supports a connected living experience for users.

Functional Adaptability

The workroom in the NEST showcases adaptability with a platform that changes positions to serve different functions. It can be used for display or movement, reflecting modern requirements in virtual environments. The absence of conventional doorways allows for fluid movement, while movable petals can adjust the openness of spaces, providing a balance between privacy and accessibility.

The design culminates in a fresh interpretation of living within a virtual context. It offers an engaging experience characterized by movement, flexibility, and a sense of connection.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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